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Friday, 1 April 2016

SMB Bearings are supporting the Shark Trust...

Almost one in every three sharks recorded from global fisheries is a Blue Shark. The last decade saw a three-fold increase in Blue Shark landings from the Atlantic – 80% of which were landed by EU vessels. Continuation of this level of fishing, without management, will lead to problems not only for the species but also for those people who rely on our oceans for food.

SMB Bearings Ltd have pledged support for the Shark Trust’s “No Limits” campaign, to end uncontrolled shark fishing as highlighted on last week’s ITV documentary “Britain’s Sharks”.

The organisers of the campaign are trying to raise money to take the No Limits campaign into the heart of key European cities this summer, engaging the public and securing political support for the EU to deliver effective Blue Shark management. If enough money is raised, by October it will arrive in the European Parliament to present the case and urge Member States to further commit to stopping uncontrolled shark fishing on the high seas.

They say "This is a far from hopeless situation. We know how to safeguard the future of these beautiful and vital animals: success is within our grasp if European nations act now to impose effective, science-based catch limits on their vessels in the Atlantic.

Today we have a choice about whether Blue Sharks retain their rightful place in our ocean but, without significant change now, we could see them go the way of other now-endangered species.

The crowdfunding campaign urgently needs donations to make this happen. Any amount will help. You can see more details and donate here."

As a company, SMB Bearings' interest primarily stems from our marine bearings applications & involvement but on a much more personal level our managing director, Chris, has this to say on the subject:

"My love of and fascination with marine life began when I started snorkelling as a child (many years ago). Since then I have qualified as an advanced diver which allowed me to spend more time under the sea and swim with some fascinating creatures (and I don’t mean the other divers). I have come to understand that managing the oceans is as vital as managing the land for future generations of the human race. My son works as a marine biologist for Blue Ventures, a marine conservation company in Madagascar. They are working with the local people to help them effectively manage their own fishing grounds to make them sustainable over the long term and are making a real difference. I don’t see why Europe can’t do the same where sharks are concerned. I have swum with sharks on a number of occasions but divers will tell you that shark sightings have become increasingly rare in many parts of the world over the last 20 years, as the shark population is being decimated. These really are impressive creatures and, if you think they are nothing more than dangerous man-eaters, here are some figures on the number of people killed yearly by different creatures to put that into perspective:

Mosquitoes – 1 million people (mainly through malaria).

Snakes – 50,000 people

Scorpions – 3000 people

Hippos - 2,900 people

Elephants – 500 people

Lions – 250 people

Jellyfish – 100 people

Dogs – 34 from dog bites in the U.S. alone last year

Roughly six people worldwide are killed by sharks each year (2005 – 2014 statistics). People who go to the seaside are at greater risk from the drowning, heatstroke or jet-skis.

Sharks have been keeping the balance of marine ecosystems around the world for millions of years and are vital to the health of our planet and therefore to the health of the human race. It is estimated that each year, humans are responsible for the death of 100 million sharks although the true figure could be much higher. That is over quarter of a million sharks EVERY DAY!"

Please help us to spread the word by sharing the No Limits campaign & donating to this worthwhile conservation cause.